Douglas Olsen
International students make up a significant portion of the student population in the United States, with many colleges and universities offering accommodation and support services specifically for them. The process of becoming an international student in the US can be challenging, with complex visa requirements and application processes. International students must obtain a valid student visa and maintain their status while studying in the US. They may also need to navigate cultural differences, healthcare, and financial considerations. On-campus housing is often convenient and immersive for international students, but off-campus options can offer more independence and potentially lower costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa | F-1, M-1, or J-1 |
| Visa requirements | Proficiency in English, sufficient funds, residence abroad, spouse and/or children information, evidence of qualifications, etc. |
| Housing options | On-campus or off-campus dorms, apartments, local homestays, houses |
| Work opportunities | Part-time jobs on campus |
| Health insurance | Required for off-campus medical care |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The most common student visas are F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those pursuing vocational studies.
To obtain a student visa, you must undergo an interview with a consular officer, who will determine whether you qualify for the visa. During the interview, the officer may request additional documents, such as evidence of standardized test scores required by your US school, your intent to depart the US upon completion of your studies, and how you plan to pay for all educational, living, and travel costs. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are typically taken during the interview as part of the application process.
If your spouse and/or minor children will be living with you in the US while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for their own visas. They do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.
It is important to note that attempting to obtain a visa through willful misrepresentation or fraud may result in permanent visa refusal or denial of entry into the United States. Additionally, a visa does not guarantee entry into the country; it only allows a foreign citizen to travel to a US port of entry, where a CBP officer will admit or deny entry.
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On-campus housing
On-campus residence halls typically offer single rooms, double rooms, suites, and apartment-style units. Most housing comes with basic furnishings and an all-inclusive feel, with rent and utilities covered in the housing fees. Some colleges and universities have buildings or floors dedicated to international students, while others allow students to request to live with another international student.
Living on campus can provide more opportunities for socialising, as residence halls are often staffed with resident advisors or upperclassmen who help students get to know each other. Students can also choose their own roommates, if permitted by the university. On the other hand, some on-campus housing options may require living with roommates, and these may be assigned by the college.
While on-campus housing is convenient, it is often in high demand and may not always be available for international students. Additionally, students may need to purchase a meal plan, and there could be rules and restrictions on campus that differ from off-campus living.
To find on-campus housing, students can start by inquiring with their university and researching online platforms, including social media communities. It is recommended to begin the search early, as there may be a shortage of accommodations.
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Off-campus housing
There are several factors to consider when exploring off-campus housing options. Firstly, cost: off-campus housing can be more affordable than on-campus options, but students must consider additional expenses such as transportation, utilities, grocery shopping, and meal prep. Students may also need to purchase or rent furniture and appliances, as off-campus housing is often unfurnished. It is important to carefully review the lease agreement and understand the financial responsibilities, as well as any requirements such as rental deposits, co-signers, and background checks.
Another consideration is safety. It is recommended to spend some time in the area to assess whether it feels safe and convenient for accessing school buildings and other amenities. Students should also be mindful of basic safety practices, such as not leaving windows open, especially on ground-floor units. Knowing who to contact in case of emergencies is crucial, and having an emergency contact is essential.
Finding off-campus housing can be a challenging process. Students can seek assistance from an off-campus housing office, which may help in finding compatible roommates and providing information about the local area. Social media, classified advertisements, and real estate agents are also useful resources for finding housing options. It is important to start the search early and be cautious to avoid scams.
Overall, off-campus housing provides international students with the opportunity to experience greater independence and privacy while studying in the US. However, it requires careful consideration of costs, safety, and the potential challenges of finding suitable accommodations.
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Health insurance
International students can live in the US, but they must have a student visa. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. For instance, students may need an F visa or an M visa. Spouses and children of students intending to live in the US with them will need to enroll in SEVIS and obtain individual Form I-20s.
International students in the US need to consider health insurance. Most universities and colleges require international students to obtain a minimum level of medical coverage for their enrollment period. This is because, when living or travelling abroad, students will not be covered by health plans in their home country, and they may not have access to the national health insurance of their destination country.
There are a variety of health insurance plans available for international students, with different plans depending on the type of visa held. For example, IMG offers international student health insurance plans that cover physical health, mental wellness, financial protection, crisis support, and personal property. IMG plans also offer 24/7 support and assistance, with multilingual in-house staff of nurses, doctors, and case managers.
International Student Insurance (ISI) is another option for international students. ISI offers plans for students on F (includes OPT), M, or J visas, as well as for students studying abroad. Plans start at $29 per month and can be used as primary insurance.
ISO International Student Health Insurance is the world's largest international student insurance manager. They offer dedicated health insurance plans for F1 visa international students, J1 visa scholars, and students, F1-OPT holders, and F2/J2 dependents.
It is important to research the different health insurance plans available and choose one that best suits your needs and visa requirements.
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Employment rules
International students in the US on F1 visas are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completion of their degree. However, all OPT employment requires prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the student's school's International Student Office. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but they cannot begin employment until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year.
Any off-campus training employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and USCIS. Additionally, students on an F1 visa who are experiencing ""severe economic hardship"" may be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. To be eligible, students must provide evidence of economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances and show that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient.
Students can also work on-campus, defined as work performed for on-location commercial firms that provide services for students, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria. This also includes work performed at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school and is an integral part of the student's educational program.
For students on an F1 visa who are enrolled in a STEM field, there is an opportunity to extend their OPT by 24 months through the STEM OPT program. To obtain STEM OPT work authorization, students must submit a completed I-983 training plan as part of their STEM OPT request to the international student services office, which will process the recommendation. The student then files their OPT application, supporting documentation, and a fee of $520 if filed by paper or $470 if filed online to USCIS.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding employment for international students in the US can be complex, and it is always best to consult with the school's International Student Office or an immigration advisor for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two types of visas for international students studying in the US: the J-1 exchange visitor visa and the F-1 student visa. The type of visa you need depends on the course of study and the type of school you plan to attend.
To obtain an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic educational program or a language-training program. You must also be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, and maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
There are several housing options available for international students in the US, including on-campus and off-campus dorms, apartments, and local homestays. On-campus housing is a great way to meet new people and adapt to the culture, while off-campus apartments offer more freedom and privacy. You can also choose to rent a house, either individually, with your family, or with friends.
